shortlist ˈshort list , short‧list /ˈʃɔːtlɪst $ ˈʃɔːrt-/ noun [countable] British English a list of the most suitable people for a job or a prize, chosen from all the people who were first considered on the short list (for something) Davies was on the shortlist for the Booker Prize. draw up/compile a shortlist The panel will draw up a shortlist of candidates.